The Role of The Role of Depression in Alcohol Depression in Alcohol

and Drug Useand Drug Use

Kelsey B. Gillingham April 19, 2010

Argosy UniversityPsy494: Substance Abuse Treatment

in the Criminal Justice SystemInstructor: Dr. Adria Adams

Cold Hard FactsCold Hard Facts

• Depression and alcohol abuse often go hand in hand.

• Alcohol is a depressant and people with depression should not drink alcohol (Russell, 2007).

• Drinking alcohol lowers your serotonin and norepinephrine levels, which are one of the major causes of depression (Russell, 2007).

• “Stress, or drugs such as alcohol or cocaine, can activate a gene that is linked to depression and other mental problems (Russell, 2007).”

Common Signs & Symptoms Common Signs & Symptoms of Depressionof Depression

• Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness• Loss of interest in daily activities • Appetite or weight changes• Sleep changes • Irritability or restlessness• Loss of energy • Self-loathing• Concentration problems • Unexplained aches and pains

(Smith, Saisan, Segal, & Segal, 2009).”

What’s Really Going On?What’s Really Going On?

• “You regularly drink too much including (including ‘binge drinking’) which makes you feel depressed (Royal College of Psychiatrists, 2010).”

• “You drink to relieve anxiety or depression (Royal College of Psychiatrists, 2010).”

What’s Really Going On? What’s Really Going On? Cont.Cont.

• You most likely drinking to avoid emotional or physical pain, to cope with the symptoms of a mental illness, to cope with personal or professional issues, to avoid living in reality, etc. Feelings, emotions, and other stressful triggers left un-dealt with can lead to depression (Argosy University, 2010)

What You Can Do to What You Can Do to Avoid ItAvoid It

• Learn to identify the stressful triggers in your life that may cause you to drink or use drugs and obtain counseling to address such underlying issues.

• Make healthy life-style changes that incorporate life coping and stress relaxation skills and choosing sobriety (Smith, Saisan, Segal, & Segal, 2009).

What You Can Do to Avoid What You Can Do to Avoid It Cont.It Cont.

• Utilize your support system and resources – family, friends, counselors, and other people in your life are there for you, even when you think they’re not.

Most Importantly ...Most Importantly ...

Remember, you are not alone!

References• Russell, June (2007). What You Need to Know About

Alcohol and Depression: Alcohol and Suicide Facts. Retrieved on April 19, 2010 from http://depression.about.com/od/drugsalcohol/a/alcoholanddep_2.htm.

• Royal College of Psychiatrists (2010). Alcohol and Depression. Retrieved on April 19, 2010 from http://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/mentalhealthinfoforall/problems/alcoholanddrugs/alcoholdepression.aspx.

• Smith, M., Saison, J., Segal, R. and Segal, J. (2009). Understanding Depression: Signs, Symptoms, Causes, and Help. Helpguide.org. Retrieved on April 19, 2010 from http://helpguide.org/mental/depression_signs_types_diagnosis_treatment.htm.

• Argosy University (2010). Treating Dually Diagnosed Offenders. Module Seven. Retrieved on April 19,

2010 from www.myeclassonline.com.